Okafor Reveals Why Pioli Was Key In Decision To Join Milan And Who Has Helped Him Settle
New signing Noah Okafor has revealed that one of the veterans is helping him settle in, while he has spoken with head coach Stefano Pioli about his preferred role.
Okafor became Milan’s sixth signing of the summer window as he followed Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders, arriving from Red Bull Salzburg.
The versatile forward did not start in any of the friendlies after he joined but there is the possibility of him getting some minutes in the upcoming games against Monza and Novara before the season begins.
Milan waited until the squad returned to Italy from their USA tour for Okafor to have his press conference, and he spoke to the reporters present at Milanello after training on Monday, with his words relayed by MilanNews.
How does it feel to train with your new team?
“I had a wonderful feeling. My first day at Milanello was a great emotion.
Did you already know Chukwueze?
“I met the team in Los Angeles, they welcomed me very well. I knew Samu, we talked a lot. He knew my father. I can’t wait to play.”
Have you talked to Pioli about your role?
“The meeting with the team was positive. I was recovering from an injury, now I’ve recovered. I spoke to Pioli about my role. We’ll see in the next few weeks the best role for me.”
Who have you talked to the most so far?
“I’ve talked a lot with Giroud. He’s helping me a lot, as well as Leao. I’m convinced we’ll be a great team. I can’t wait to get started.”
Did you expect to come to Milan after the two Champions League games last year?
“Things go fast in football. Last year I faced Milan, after these games I kept in touch with the team. Now I’m delighted to be here.”
Will you play tomorrow in Monza?
“Tomorrow’s match is important. The coach will decide whether I play or not, we’ll talk about it together.”
Is this a Milan worthy of winning the Scudetto?
“Milan are a strong team. I am convinced that a great season awaits us.”
What is your relationship with Leao like?
“We kept in touch after last year. We talk a lot together. I’ll try to give my best one-on-one.”
Are you faster than Leao and Chukwueze?
“I don’t know. We are all fast players. The important thing is that there is the right harmony in the team, we will try to do our best. We will see who is faster out of the three of us.”
Why did you choose Milan?
“When they presented me with the various options, I considered Milan for their history which impressed me. I’ve always given priority to Milan. I talked a lot with Pioli, when the coach wants you it’s important.”
You have won a lot in your career already at Salzburg…
“At Salzburg I won the last four league titles. I am someone who wants to win, I don’t like to lose. I want to give my best every day and help the team.”
Do you have a message for the fans?
“I would like to thank them. I can’t wait to meet them at San Siro and we will celebrate my first goal together. Forza Milan!”